Beech is star turn at Knockhill

MOTORCYCLE RACING:

ASHLEY Beech produced his best result since joining JD Racing when finishing a fine 16th in round five of the National Superstock 1000 Championship at Knockhill in Scotland.

It was only the fourth time the Moorside rider had riden the Kawasaki ZX-10R bike.

Beech (24) already feels comfortable with the handling of the bike and apart from minor suspension and gearing changes to suit the circuit layout, he qualified well and lined-up alongside 20-times Isle of Man TT winner and current lap record-holder John McGuinness.

All 36 riders got through the first corner, but unfortunately Beech was boxed-in and pushed back to 26th place by the end of the opening lap.

A combination of skill and determination during the next 24 laps saw him move up 10 places.

The next round is at the Snetterton circuit, Norfolk, on Sunday, July 7.